What is Cosmetic Dentistry?

Cosmetic Dentistry, often referred to as 'aesthetic dentistry', is an area of dentistry dedicated to enhancement, restoration, and maintenance of optimal oral health specially designed for you. It is based on an artistic recreation using sound scientific principles and judgment. It utilizes the latest advanced techniques and materials to deliver natural looking and feeling results that will greatly enhance your life.

 

Is Cosmetic Dentistry for me?

Cosmetic Dentistry is for everyone. Cosmetic Dentistry has been proven to make you look and feel younger, help you meet new people, open doors to exciting opportunities, advance your career, and make you happier. Cosmetic Dentistry is for those people who want the most aesthetically pleasing, advanced dental care for a lifetime of beautiful, healthy teeth.

 

What can be done for stained or discolored teeth?

There are several options for stained, discolored teeth depending on the results you would like. One of the most popular and affordable options is teeth whitening. There are several other options available that can be determined after careful analysis of your current situation and expectations.

 

What can be done for missing teeth?

Many options exist for missing teeth, including bridges, implants, and even precision fit natural looking partial and full dentures. With the advancements in today's cosmetic dentistry there is no good reason to live with missing teeth. Having a full set of teeth not only improves your self-esteem, but it also makes the rest of your teeth healthier and last longer by reducing the amount of stress placed on them.

 

What can be done for crooked or crowded teeth?

There are several options that exist for crooked and crowded teeth. One of the most popular solutions is orthodontics (or braces). However, orthodontics can take several years to correct the problem. With new breakthroughs in cosmetic dentistry, it is now possible to correct crooked and crowded teeth without the need to spend years in braces, dependent upon your particular concern and condition. In fact, many cases can be completed in just a few weeks.

 

What if I just don't like my smile?

Each person has a unique smile! The reason(s) a person may not like their smile can range greatly in cause. Our team is highly trained and skilled at determining the key factors to enhancing any smile. Factors include: crooked, stained, missing, or poorly shaped teeth, mismatched, unattractive, or failing previous dentistry. There are many solutions available to aid in your endeavor to better appreciate and enjoy your smile for a lifetime!

 

What can you tell me about amalgam or silver fillings?

Amalgam fillings, sometimes referred to as 'silver fillings', are the most common placed filling material according to a recent ADA study (2000), however, this trend is slowing with the improved results of composite (tooth-colored) fillings. Dr. Hopewell prefers not to place amalgam 'silver' fillings for the following reasons:

• Amalgam filling material is 150 year old technology
• Amalgam fillings expand with time and tend to fracture teeth from the inside, similar to a wedge splitting wood.
• The material contains mercury and although the ADA has deemed it safe, it is still considered a toxic and hazardous material outside the mouth. Several European countries have either banned or restricted the use of dental amalgam. Several U.S. counties have passed laws preventing amalgam waste from being passed into the sewer system (including Snohomish County).
• Amalgam fillings are very displeasing aesthetically and they corrode over time, tending to turn black.

 

Your Baby's Teeth:

How and When to Care for Your Child's Teeth at Home:

1. Using a damp washcloth or toothbrush, clean your baby's gums, even before teeth erupt.
2. When teeth appear, use and infant soft-bristled toothbrush. If Dr. Hopewell recommends it, a small droplet of toothpaste may be used to provide adequate fluoride therapy. As a parent, look for a small white or brown spot on your baby's teeth, which may indicate decay.
3. As a dentist, Dr. Hopewell strongly recommends ending sucking via bottle or breast by 1 year of age. This will help your baby avoid teeth misalignment and baby bottle tooth decay.
4. Teach your child to brush at night prior to going to sleep. Teeth are more susceptible to cavities while sleeping due to reduced salivary flow.

 

As a parent, what should I be concerned about?

The most prevalent and preventable problem for infants is Baby Bottle Tooth Decay. Many parents unwittingly subject children to long periods of sugar induced tooth decay by feeding their baby sugar in baby formula, juice, and even breast-milk. Babies who sleep with a baby bottle filled with any drink containing natural or synthetic sugars or whom breast feed for long periods as they sleep are highly susceptible to tooth decay. you can help you baby fight the early onset of cavities by bringing him/her to the dentist early. The dentist has preventative measures such as fluoride treatments, which can help your baby develop healthy dentition.

 

When should my child start seeing the dentist?

When your baby's teeth start to come in! Typically, the 1st visit should be around ages 3 to 4 years.

 

What happens at my baby's first dental visit?

Often, the first visit is simply an introduction to our office, what we like to call a "chair ride". Since every child's comfort level at the dentist's office is different, we assess each child individually and proceed at the appropriate rate. As a dentist, I understand how very important it is to first build a child's trust. If possible, I will often ask you, the parent, to sit in the dental chair with your child in your lap. As your child's comfort level grows, a gentle approach will then consist of examining the teeth, gums, and bite so that we can monitor the changes as your child grows. A gentle cleaning and instruction on how to clean your child's teeth at home will also be included, as indicated.

 

Does my child need to see a pedodontist (child dentist)?

As a general dentist, I am trained to provide thorough and comforting dental care for children. Pedodontists are specialists who see only children and may be appropriate for you as well. Indicators of whether a pedodontist would be appropriate can be found in your child's demeanor, also if there is extensive dental needs present. Our office is happy to assist you in the dental health of your child and we recommend that your child attend our office initially to determine the next best step for his/her optimum care.

 

How can I prevent Baby Bottle Tooth Decay?

By not allowing your baby to breast or bottle feed while sleeping, you can help immensely! Hold your baby while bottle feeding, and if the baby needs a bottle at bedtime, fill it with water, or replace the bottle with a pacifier or toy. Our office is equipped to fight baby Bottle Tooth Decay by providing fluoride treatments and assessing the amount of fluoride your child is getting at home. Of course, brushing your baby's teeth daily is very important.

 

Is thumb sucking a problem?

Thumb and finger sucking is very normal for infants, usually diminishing by the age of 2. Once your child approaches an age of 5-6 years, his/her permanent teeth will soon be erupting, and prolonged sucking at this age can lead to crowded teeth, crooked teeth, or bite problems. There are many solutions available for your child if they are having a difficult time relinquishing this habit. Of course, there are tried and true remedies, as well as modern day dental treatments that can aid in the often difficult habit fighters.

 

What is a teething ring? Will it harm my child's teeth?

Teething rings are small, fluid filled 'rings' which are kept chilled and are effective at soothing your child's sore gums while he/she is teething. There have been no studies linking the use of a teething ring to damaged teeth. However, as a precaution, you will want to ensure that once the teething phase has completed the teething ring be discontinued.